Mick Ives' squad produced another string of fine performances over the holiday weekend, with a vet newcomer and a campaigner in his 70s both taking starring roles for the Baginton-based team.

Tony Taylor produced an unbelievable ride in the Warwickshire RC 50-mile time trial, held on the Alcester to Cheltenham road in wet, windy conditions. The 62-year-old clocked 1hr 59min 37sec.

Team boss Ives, riding his first 50-mile event for more than 30 years, came home in 2.09.28 and John Dixon did 2.09.48.

Other MI riders are in good shape too. Jamie Burrell, who lives a Kineton, joined the team this year and has already won events.

John Bevan is another remarkable example of fitness. The 73-year-old Leamington rider recently set new age-group records on the classic and very tough 40-mile Beacon Mountain time trial.

Over the holiday weekend top MI lady rider Avril Swan won the Cambridge ten-mile time trial in a personal best time of 23min 29sec and team-mate Paul Verlander was eighth in the men's event with a brilliant 22.23.

A day later Verlander finished sixth in the Masters' Criterium race at Ixworth, where Swan came sixth in the ladies' race.

Emilie Verroken finished second best lady in the Southwell Triathlon and best in her age group. She was 51st overall in a field of 481 competitors and improved by more than 3min on her time last year.

This was an exceptional performance in her first triathlon of the season and came on the heels of her recent time trial victories.

MI Racing also showed some fine form in the three-day Tour of the Abberleys road race on the Worcester/Shropshire border - one of the toughest events of the season.

In race one for riders aged 40-49 (A and B category) Cat A man Carl Halpin finished third in the hill climb stage one up the Ankerdine, with its 1-in-4 sections.

New Cat B signing John Stevenson of Warwick, a former Coventry Olympic member, finished fifth.

Phil Wilkins was second (1st Cat B rider) on stage two, a 50-mile road race, with Stevenson coming home in fifth.

Wilkins suffered a puncture on stage six and never rejoined the leaders.
Stevenson came home second and Halpin was sixth, putting him second overall after three stages.

A puncture put Halpin out of contention on the 50-mile fourth stage, coasting him a potential podium position.

Stevenson was seventh, good enough to win the Cat B event overall. Wikins beat everyone over the line to win the overall race for 45-49 riders - his first victory for MI Racing.